SSOE Senior Parent Information Night for Post-Secondary Planning WELCOME!! September 13, :30 p.m. Southern High School Media Center

Introductions Ms. Darneise Massey, Principal Ms. Gwen D. Roulhac, School Counselor SSOE Families

Three Courses of Study, One Diploma NC High School Diploma College/University Prep Course of Study College Tech Prep Course of Study Career Prep Course of Study

Required Courses Common to All Courses of Study English I, II, III, IV World History, Civics & Economics, US History Earth/Environmental Science, Biology, Physical Science course (Physics or Chemistry or Physical Science) Health/PE

Differences Among Required Courses for each Course of Study College/University Prep College Tech PrepCareer Prep Math 4 credits: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and higher level math course 3 credits: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 OR Algebra 1, Tech Math 1 & 2 3 credits, one of which must be Algebra 1 Foreign Language 2 credits of same language Not required Career/Arts Pathway Not required but recommended *at SSOE, students must complete an Engineering pathway that consists of 4 credits, one of which must be advanced level 4 credits of same pathway, one of which must be advanced level

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Student Information Check to make sure all information is correct: Spelling of name Address Phone number Date of birth, etc.

Credit History Grade 10 Quality Points Cr WtdUnwtd Geometry Hn English II AP Chemistry

Performance Information Cumulative GPA Weighted: Cumulative GPA Unweighted: Class Rank: 3 of 50 Total Points Weighted: Total Points Unweighted: Total Credits: Earned 24 Potential 24

Testing Information End of Course English I Algebra I Biology Civics & Economics US History

Also Included Immunization Information Attendance Information

Not Included Awards / Achievements & Extra- Curricular Activities Curriculum-Related Work Experience SAT/ACT Scores

College Application Deadlines Colleges offer various opportunities to apply. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Be informed to make the best decision for you and your child. Early Decision Early Action Regular Admission

Early Decision Students apply early decision to 1 college; acceptance is binding. Application deadlines: November 1-15 Students are usually notified in December. Students who are denied cannot reapply for regular admission. Students waive the opportunity of comparing scholarship packages.

Early Action Students apply early to multiple colleges. Acceptance is non-binding. Application deadlines: November 1-15 Students are notified December-January. Students can compare scholarship packages for different colleges.

Regular Admission Students apply to colleges by the regular deadline. Application deadlines vary, usually January-March. Check college admissions websites for details. Students are notified in March/April.

What SSOE Sends Transcripts School Profile Counselor’s Statement / Secondary School Report (if applicable)

Transcript Request Transcript Request Forms are located in the Main Office, on the table outside Ms. Roulhac’s office and online. Complete Transcript Request Form Attach Counselor’s Statement / Secondary School Report (if applicable) Transcript only – mailed within 24 hours Transcript + Counselor’s Statement/Letter of Recommendation – allow 3 weeks

What Student Sends Completed Application Application Fee or Fee Waiver SAT/ACT Scores

SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT SAT Three sections: Critical Reading, Math, Writing Register online at or pick up a paper registration form in the Main Office. Fee is $49.

SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT SAT Subject Tests You may take up to three subject tests in one day. Each test is a 1-hour multiple choice test. Some colleges require as many as three subject tests; other colleges recommend subject tests. Basic registration fee is $22. Language tests with listening are $22; all other tests are $11 each.

SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT ACT Register online at or request a paper registration form. Fee without Writing is $34. Fee including Writing is $49.50.

SAT vs. ACT SATACT Length- actual testing time 3 hours, 45 minutes3 hours, 25 minutes Math TopicsArithmetic, geometry, algebra, and algebra II Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry ScoringAggregate score based on total of 3 scores (Reading, Math, Writing) Score of 2-12 for Essay Composite score 1-36 based on average of 4 sections (English, Math, Reading and Science) Score 2-12 for Optional Essay Penalties for Wrong Answer ¼ point deducted for wrong answers No penalties for wrong answers

Test Prep Options Free test prep materials available in the Main Office Free test prep available online Durham Public Schools Community Education $90 (six two-hour classes) or Several other private agencies offer SAT and ACT prep for fees ranging from $100 to over $1,000.

How does my GPA, Class Rank, & SAT/ACT score match with school of choice? Visit Under “College Search,” type in name of college/university. Click on “How do I stack up?” tab for info on GPA and SAT/ACT data of admitted freshmen. Visit for NC schoolswww.cfnc.org Click on “Plan for College” tab... then “Explore Postsecondary Schools”... then “Admissions”

Letters of Recommendation FAQ Who do I get to write my letter? How many letters should I send? How do I ask someone to write a letter for me?

Admissions Essay/Personal Statement Share something about yourself not found elsewhere in the application in YOUR OWN VOICE. Make it perfect: proofread and read aloud. Get the right essay to the right college.

College Visits Here  Visits will usually take place in the SHS conference room or media center.  Students will need to sign up and obtain a pass to attend the visits.  UNC-Pembroke: September 11:45  Duke University: September 12:00 There  Official and unofficial visits

$$$ FREE Application for Federal Student Aid ~ Apply beginning January 1, (CSS Profile) University websites for school-specific scholarship and grant programs

A Few Good Books College Board College Handbook 2012 Fiske Guide to Colleges 2012 Colleges That Change Lives Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years

Date to Remember Durham Public Schools College Fair October 2, :00-4:00 Northgate Mall Durham Public Schools counselors will be present to answer any questions and to support attending students.

Questions? To contact Ms. Roulhac:  By phone ~ (919) x  By ~  Online ~